Losing a loved one in an accident is one of the most stressful and traumatic experiences a person can suffer. A wrongful death can fill you with rage, despair, and frustration and leave you wondering if you could have done something to prevent it. Our attorneys cannot turn back the clock, but we can help find justice for your loved one.
If your loved one has died due to another’s actions, contact Oliver Law Office. A person’s death affects more than just themselves, and the parties responsible for that death should be held accountable. A loved one’s death can have a massive effect on your finances and well-being, and we can pursue compensation for your losses so you can rebuild your life and move forward.
Our compassionate and empathetic attorneys stand ready to support you in your time of loss. Contact us online or call us at (614) 220-9100 today to speak to a wrongful death attorney serving Hilliard.
In many cases, when a person dies, they leave behind a spouse or other dependents who rely on them for financial support and stability. A Hilliard wrongful death claim allows surviving parties, such as spouses and children, to recover compensation for the losses they suffered due to the deceased’s death. A wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury claim, except that it redresses the losses of the deceased’s survivors and heirs instead of the deceased themselves.
Ohio’s wrongful death statute defines a wrongful death as one that results from a wrongful act, neglect, or default. In this context, a wrongful act typically means an intentional act, such as assault or murder. Neglect is when a person breaches a duty of care and causes death, such as a drunk or distracted driver.
In some cases, the at-fault party might be statutorily liable for losses stemming from a wrongful death, such as in the case of a fatal dog bite attack or a death due to a defective product. In these cases, the injured parties need not demonstrate negligence to recover compensation.
Ohio’s wrongful death laws can apply in any situation where there is a death due to another’s wrongful action or negligent behavior. Oliver Law Office has extensive experience managing a wide variety of wrongful death claims, including those that result from:
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
Pedestrian accidents
Premises liability accidents
Defective products
Dog bites and attacks
Slip and fall accidents
And more
Dealing with the death of a loved one is never easy. You deserve an attorney who will listen to your issues and do everything in their power to balance the scales after you’ve lost a loved one in Hilliard.
Compensation for wrongful death should cover losses that the deceased’s loved ones suffered because of the deceased’s death. Such losses could include end-of-life medical expenses and funeral costs. Additionally, surviving family members in Ohio can claim the following losses:
Loss of income the deceased would have generated during their life
Total lost value of household services and childcare the deceased would have provided
Any reduction to inheritance due to an unexpected death
Loss of consortium, companionship, guidance, protection or attention
Mental anguish and suffering of the surviving family members
In Ohio, only the personal representative of the estate may file a wrongful death lawsuit. This person is most often their surviving spouse or an heir as named in the deceased’s will. If the deceased does not have a will, the court can appoint a representative for their estate.
The representative will distribute any recovered compensation according to the deceased’s will and Ohio inheritance laws.
Ohio’s statute of limitations for wrongful death claims generally allows two years from the date of the death for the personal representative to file a lawsuit. Two years is a relatively short time, so we recommend that injured parties contact an attorney as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to prove your losses and recover compensation for them.
Wrongful death laws are complex and difficult to sort through. Your choice of law firm can mean the difference between a satisfactory settlement and a case denial. It is crucial to hire a law firm with the right resources and knowledge to manage your claim. They can help you determine claim eligibility and calculate all your expenses so you can petition for adequate compensation.
Most wrongful death claims, like other personal injury cases, settle outside of court. However, insurance companies are not always responsive, and at-fault parties might dispute liability. In these cases, you need an accomplished attorney to gather evidence, analyze the facts, and build a strong case arguing for liability and your right to financial compensation.
At Oliver Law Office, we pride ourselves on our personalized and client-focused approach. We understand that every situation is unique, and any strategy must mold itself to the legal contours of your case. With our thorough and meticulous preparation, we will work to secure a full and fair settlement from the at-fault party’s insurer. Failing in that, we’ll be prepared to pursue compensation from the responsible parties in court through a formal lawsuit.
No amount of money can make up for the death of a loved one, but a wrongful death claim can help you recover compensation and find stability in the chaos. Olive Law Office has over 20 years of experience successfully pursuing personal injury settlements, including several multi-million dollar settlements and judgments for wrongful death actions. We understand the aftermath of a wrongful death and can provide effective and compassionate legal counsel.
Call our office today at (614) 220-9100 or message us online for a free in-office, in-home, or virtual case consultation with a wrongful death lawyer serving Hilliard.
Our offices are located at 7240 Muirfield Dr., Suite 120, Dublin, Ohio. You can reach us using the following directions.
From the North:
Start on I-270 West.
Take the OH-161/US-33 Exit toward Marysville.
Exit at Avery-Muirfield Drive.
Turn right onto Avery-Muirfield Drive.
Turn left on Muirfield Drive.
Your destination will be on the left.
From the South:
Start on I-270 North.
Take the OH-161/US-33 Exit toward Marysville.
Exit at Avery-Muirfield Drive.
Turn right onto Avery-Muirfield Drive.
Turn left on Muirfield Drive.
Your destination will be on the left.
From the East:
Start on I-270 West.
Take the OH-161/US-33 Exit toward Marysville.
Exit at Avery-Muirfield Drive.
Turn right onto Avery-Muirfield Drive.
Turn left on Muirfield Drive.
Your destination will be on the left.
From the West:
Start on I-270 East.
Take the OH-161/US-33 Exit toward Marysville.
Exit at Avery-Muirfield Drive.
Turn right onto Avery-Muirfield Drive.
Turn left on Muirfield Drive.
Your destination will be on the left.
